How to increase cervical mucus?
Are there any effective methods to increase the quantity and quality of cervical mucus and, consequently, the chances of getting pregnant? Here’s what the research says.
Cervical mucus is a viscous and stringy substance present inside the vagina, which is produced by the cells of the uterine cervix under the stimulus of ovarian hormones.
What is cervical mucus used for?
Normally, the role of cervical mucus is to protect the uterus and fallopian tubes from infection.
During the fertile days of the cycle, however, the mucus undergoes some changes, which facilitate the ascent of the sperm towards the uterus and increase their survival .
Finally, during pregnancy , the cervical mucus becomes thicker and accumulates at the entrance to the uterine cervix: the so-called mucous plug is thus formed , which will serve to protect the fetus for the entire duration of the gestation.
Cervical mucus and fertile days
Cervical mucus plays a very important role in understanding which days are fertile. Observing its characteristics and its changes during the menstrual cycle is in fact a scientifically recognized method to monitor fertility and ovulation.
Simplifying, the most fertile days are characterized by an elastic , stringy and watery cervical mucus , and by a wet sensation in the vagina , similar to that observed during menstruation.
The least fertile days are those in which the mucus is sticky and opaque.
Finally, non-fertile days are accompanied by low cervical mucus production and a dry sensation in the vaginal area.
Because sperm are able to move easily through fertile mucus, having intercourse when you notice these kinds of characteristics will increase your chances of conceiving .
Of course, understanding the changes in mucus during the menstrual cycle, and therefore learning to understand when you are most fertile, requires some “training” .
Furthermore, cervical mucus can be affected by a number of factors that can make observation more difficult , such as infections, breastfeeding or taking medications (including for example clomiphene , used to stimulate ovulation).
In any case, the impossibility of monitoring the cervical mucus because the wet sensation that usually accompanies fertile days is not perceived, and the presence instead of a constant vaginal dryness , must always be reported to the trusted gynecologist , to exclude any problems and identify the most suitable remedies.
How to increase cervical mucus?
Many of the indications found on the net to increase cervical mucus are not scientifically reliable. As a result, trying to apply them yourself without medical help could just be a waste of time.
Having said that, let’s see together what are the most recommended methods to increase and improve the quality of fertile cervical mucus.
1. Hydration
Of all the suggestions proposed to increase the production and elasticity of cervical mucus (so as to make it a “fertile ground” for sperm), the best advice is simply to “drink more water “ . In fact, while there’s actually no direct evidence that this strategy works, it’s definitely the most logical and sensible method .
On your most fertile days, mucus is about 96 percent water , and this characteristic has been linked to increased likelihood of pregnancy in tests. Consequently, to promote conception, it is advisable to drink regularly in order to counteract dehydration.
In addition, introducing an adequate amount of fluids is a useful indication of general and daily well-being , regardless of fertility.
2. Evening primrose oil
Evening primrose oil is rich in gamma linolenic acid , an essential fatty acid that appears to promote prostaglandin production and make mucus more hospitable to sperm.
Unfortunately, to date, no study has shown a correlation between prostaglandins and cervical mucus in fertile days and no long-term tests have been carried out on the intake of this oil.
At present, therefore, evening primrose oil must be considered a folk remedy not supported by medical evidence . Furthermore, if you decide to take it, it is important to use it only for short periods, to avoid the risk of side effects .
3. Cough syrup
To improve the quality of the cervical mucus, the use of mucolytic and expectorant drugs based on guaifenesin has also been proposed : this substance, in fact, would be able to thin the cervical mucus as well as that of the airways.
Again, however, there is no solid scientific evidence on the effectiveness of this practice. Furthermore, to avoid negative effects on the mucus (data for example from the presence of antihistamines among the ingredients) or, even worse, the onset of side effects, it is always advisable to avoid taking these medicines without first consulting your doctor .
Kathryn Barlow is an OB/GYN doctor, which is the medical specialty that deals with the care of women's reproductive health, including pregnancy and childbirth.
Obstetricians provide care to women during pregnancy, labor, and delivery, while gynecologists focus on the health of the female reproductive system, including the ovaries, uterus, vagina, and breasts. OB/GYN doctors are trained to provide medical and surgical care for a wide range of conditions related to women's reproductive health.